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Unit of study_
MECO3603: Media, Law and Ethics
2025 unit information
This unit will introduce students to the area of media, law and ethics through discussion of key legal, ethical, and cultural issues relevant to journalism and the professional fields of public communication. Students will be given an introductory survey of the main ethical theories in Western thought to establish a framework within which to examine specific ethical issues that relate to media. They will also be introduced to those aspects of the law that impinge on the work of media professionals.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Arts and Social Sciences
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Media and Communications |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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18 credit points at 2000 level in Media and Communications |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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MECO3003 or MECO3607 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. recognise and identify legal and ethical issues for media practitioners
- LO2. possess basic legal literacy, sufficiently to know where and when to seek further advice
- LO3. identify and draw on ethical theories and principles to think through ethical dilemmas for the media
- LO4. understand concerns, key thinkers and key legal and ethical frameworks for reflective, responsible and professional public communicators
- LO5. work collaboratively to resolve legal and ethical concerns in specific case studies.
Unit availability
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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Important enrolment information
Additional advice
Available to BA/B Advanced Studies (Media and Communications), BA/BLaw students only
